The variety of styles and forms that Alain-Marie Tremblay has created over the years is encyclopaedic. Only a small selection can be displayed here. For a fuller appreciation of the scope of his oeuvre take a look at his website; http://betonique.com/ .

He invented bétonique which has sometimes mistakenly been called stoneware. In the beginning he called it ‘’ceramised concrete’’, but later, changed it to betonique. It is a clay which is fired at 1250° C. ³

Clay source: Tremblay tried many clay companies. An obvious and earlier one was SIAL. However, while conducting a workshop he found he had problems throwing the clay. He later tried using other sources such as Plainsman Clay from Alberta. ¹ He now uses clays from England and Quebec. ³

From an art historical perspective Tremblay is eclectic. He had some liking for the surrealists such as Rene Magritte, but he especially admired the Abstract Expressionist/Pop Art work of Jasper Johns, and generally the American School and Peter Voulkos. He also particularly appreciated the sculptures of British artist Anthony Caro and the American, David Smith. ¹ The influence of the Europeans Constantin Brancusi and Antoni Gaudí was also important for him.³

His interest in industrial and architectural techniques and work is typical of a strong trend in Quebec ceramics as also seen in the work of Gaetan Beaudin and Maurice Savoie.

“ I wanted to do sculpture and murals first. I like it when it is difficult.” ¹

His sculpture is often modular and include thrown pieces that are “beaten, cut, to get my idea.” ¹

Some works are joined together with cement, some are one piece. ¹He designs works on a sketch pad and takes elements of one or another and then combines the changes.¹

He has done wood firing but he prefers a propane gas kiln, mostly oxidation, playing with the dampers to achieve his copper reds; and some reduction to achieve tin and chrome oxide pinks. He like bright colours. ¹ He says his discovery of his blue was accidental. ¹